Best $1,500 Custom PC Build in 2022

• 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
• Up to 5.1 GHz unlocked, for overclocking
• Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
• 125W stock power draw

Since you’re dipping your toes into the high-end bracket, you get the privilege of having the latest tech in the form of Intel Core i5-13600K. This 13th Gen powerhouse is the direct successor to the venerable 12600K which offered impressive value and can even match the performances of i7 and Ryzen 7 CPUs of its generation.

You can expect the same for the 13600K. It’s even better since there are now 14 cores compared to its predecessor’s 10. The downside is the increased heat when the CPU is maxed out. That’s why you need robust cooling, more on that later.

• Memory Speed:16.0 Gbps.Digital Max Resolution:7680×4320
• Video Memory: 16GB GDDR6
• Game Clock: 2065MHz (OC) / 2015MHz (Silent)
• Boost Clock: 2310MHz (OC) / 2250MHz (Silent)
• 300W TDP

Sadly, Nvidia’s RTX 3080 cards still have inflated prices and the RTX 4000 series cards are still swimming in scalpers’ hands. So you’re better off with the AMD option, specifically the RX 6800 XT.

In most games, it’s either better than the RTX 3080 or matches its performance. It’s also no slouch when it comes to ray tracing, though Nvidia is still the better choice for such a graphical feature. But make no mistake, this card is capable of 4K gaming and a smooth experience for 1440p.

• Supports 12th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket.
• Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 5600(OC) MHz
• 4 RAM slots
• ATX form factor
• 4 NVMe SSD slots

It’s a good thing 13th Gen Intel CPUs can fit right into 600 series motherboards because that means more savings for you. By going with the MSI Pro Z690-A, you’re only sacrificing DDR5 RAM compatibility, which at the moment, isn’t exactly cost-effective.

And in case you still want to overclock the Intel i5-13600K, you can do so since this motherboard has a robust VRM heatsink design and can handle overclocking well with its two 8-pin CPU connectors. As for expandable slots, you won’t find this lacking at all with the 4 NVMe SSD brackets, pretty generous.

• LGA1700 Compatibility: The Liquid Freezer II 280 A-RGB is compatible with Intel’s new Alder Lake processors – Socket LGA1700*
• Maintenance-free water loop
• RGB
• Low power consumption

It can be hard to pick a proper cooler for 13th Gen Intel processors due to their high power and copious heat output. But this one shouldn’t disappoint. The Arctic Liquid Freezer II has a good reputation in the PC community.

It’s compatible with LGA 1700 CPUs, meaning the 13600K. The temperatures shouldn’t go too high depending on your overclock, but as always, overclocking the CPU has diminishing performance returns. As an added bonus, the RGB is addressable and has a remote.

• 3200MHz speed
• CL16 latency
• Dual channel
• Non-RGB
• 16GB

For the RAM, you don’t exactly need anything flashy or bulky since you’re just limited to DDR4 anyway. And since you’re not too far into the high-end spectrum, 16GB will have to do for now. You can easily upgrade to 32GB anyway.

For that matter, this cheap TeamGroup T-Force Vulcan Z RAM stick duo will more than suffice. Do consider adding in another two sticks (for a total of four) in case you’re going for an 8K monitor, though the cost will increase, of course.

• Fast NVMe performance for daily computing needs — up to 3,200MB/s
• SSDs offer shock resistance against accidental bumps and drops
• Downloadable Western Digital SSD Dashboard monitors the health and usage of your drive
• Rest assured with a Western Digital 3-year limited warranty

Like RAM, you also can’t go too extravagant on the storage yet since you’re still limited to the lower side of the spectrum in the high-end bracket. But thankfully, storage space doesn’t affect performance. At best, the type of storage can only affect loading speeds.

And with an NVMe SSD, you can rest assured that you have all the loading and boot-up speed your PC needs for you to not mind restarts and frequent loading screens. And with the motherboard for this build, you can easily buy and add three more of these.

• Hydro Dynamic Fan
• Fully modular cables
• High-temperature tolerance
• Gold-rated
• 850W

Picking a power supply unit for your custom PC build with this budget and component combination can be tricky. You’ll never know how much overhead you need thanks to Intel’s possible power spiking. But 850W will do the trick.

In fact, it’s a bit overkill and more than enough for the RX 6800 XT and the Intel i5-13600K, even if you’re overclocking both. You can also treat this kind of PSU as an investment as it can last for several builds and upgrades.

• Mesh Panels at the top, front, and rear, providing extreme airflow
• Modular backplate (5 + 2 expansion slot), supporting MINI-ITX up to E-ATX MB
• Included 2 x 140MM PWM fans at the front, and a 120mm PWM fan at the rear
• Support 6 x 2.5” SSD or 4 x 3.5” HDD + 2 x 2.5” SSD
• Dimensions: ‎15.75 x 15.12 x 11.34 inches

All those powerful and hot components need proper cooling. And when it comes to that, the Lian Li O11 Air Mini will surely provide ample air. Just be sure to populate all the fan slots and you’re good to go.

This case is also a bit of an investment in case you want a smaller motherboard in the future as an upgrade or PC replacement. The design is a trendsetter and features a unique dual-chamber for the PSU, so that cable management is as tidy as possible. There is also a glass front panel option but that’s more expensive and provides less cooling.